POLICE have issued a warning following reports of HMRC telephone scammers operating in the Andover area.

Officers have received information from a number of residents who have had nuisance phone calls from fraudsters pretending to be from HMRC, attempting to extract money from the elderly and vulnerable.

The scammers operate by phoning the recipient and leaving a recorded message, allegedly from HMRC, stating that it is bringing a lawsuit against the individual.

The recipient is then asked to phone back and press one to speak to the officer dealing with the case and an automated machine will then put the caller through to the scammer who will attempt to collect the caller's bank details.

Andover Police are urging residents to be mindful of this scam and pass on awareness to other family members and friends in particular who may potentially fall victim to the fraudsters.

If anyone does receive a similar call they are advised not to give out any bank or credit card details over the phone and end the phone call immediately.

Calls should also be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit their website at actionfraud.police.uk/ to report the attempted fraudulent actions.